For
recording and mixing engineers, the greatest challenge will always be to
capture and transform disparate 2-D elements into an engrossing 3-D vision that
elicits the same raw emotions and compelling vibrance as the live performance.
In designing the RupertNeve Portico II Channel Strip, every possible attention
has been paid towards not only producing the most accurate, sweet sounding
audio topologies, but also enabling engineers to boldly shape or fine tune
tracks to the limit of their imaginations.

Input Section

Input
signals may be derived from any of three sources; Microphone, Line or DI. The
Microphone input has a 10K Ω non-reactive input resistance that handles a full
26dBu signal without the need for a pad. A primary Gain control provides 66dB
of gain in 6dB increments for easy recall with a +/- 6dB Trim for fine
adjustment. A transient-optimized HPF continuously covering the range from
20-250Hz is included. In addition the usual 48V Phantom Power switch, Phase
Inversion, Signal Present indicator and a Mute switch are included. The pre-amp
is a TLA non-reactive design that precludes the loading of microphones with
limited driving capability and which maintains a 2 dB noise figure over a wide
range.

Inserting a
plug into the DI input, selects a 3M Ω Discrete FET DI circuit that includes
the transformer-coupled pristine topography that optimizes both the microphone
and DI inputs, allowing low impedance microphones and high impedance sources
like electric guitars and basses to deliver their optimum performance. Primary
Gain and Trim controls are fully operational. A “Thru” jack on the front panel
that duplicates the unaffected source signal allows the use of an external
amplifier if required. A “Line” switch selects the independent Line XLR
non-reactive input circuit that includes the HPF and Level trim controls.

Texture

One of the
key developments in the Portico II is the new Texture section. Building on the
“Silk” mode found in the Portico Series mic pre-amplifiers, Texture is designed
to adjust the actual amount of harmonic music content from the source material,
in effect, providing countless tonal options in one device. The texture section
features distinct modes, controlled by a potentiometer from barely audible to
dramatic!. With that said, we have placed great care insuring that the musical
integrity of source material itself will not be compromised by these harmonic
controls (these are not to be confused with controls from other manufactures
that may “incinerate”, “demolish” or “destroy” source material), and we believe
they can be confidently modified to fit the personality of any song, instrument
or engineer.

Like the
original Portico, Silk mode works by reducing negative feedback on the output transformer
and adjusting the frequency response to more closely resemble Mr. Rupert Neve’s
vintage designs. “Silk +” mode pushes this technique still further, achieving a
more harmonically rich sound.

Like the
original Portico, Silk mode works by reducing negative feedback on the output
transformer and adjusting the frequency response to more closely resemble
vintage designs by Mr. Rupert Neve. Velvet mode pushes this technique further,
by increasing saturation on the output transformer to achieve a more colored
sound. With that said, we have placed great care insuring that the musical
integrity of source material itself will not be compromised by these harmonic
controls (these are not to be confused with controls that may “incinerate”,
“demolish” or “destroy” source material), and we believe they can be
confidently modified to fit the personality of any song, instrument or
engineer.

Equalizer

The EQ
topologies in the 4-Band Equalizer of the Portico II combine the best-loved
sound of several classic designs, but are also capable of extremely fine
surgical adjustments as well as dramatic boosts or cuts. By default, the EQ
section follows the mic preamplifier and HPF, and precedes the compressor, but
this sequence may be reversed by engaging the Post Comp switch

The Low
Shelf has an independent engage switch, Classic Peak/
Accelerated Shelf selection, with +/- 12dB level adjustment, and selectable
turnover frequencies of 35, 60, 100, and 220 Hz. The Fully Parametric LMF and
HMF bands have a joint engage switch, providing +/- 12dB level adjustment,
continuously variable “Q” from 0.7 to 5 and continuously variable frequency
ranges from 70 to 1.4KHz and 700Hz to 14KHz. In addition to its standard
capabilities, the HMF band can also be used to precisely tune a new De-Esser
circuit.

The
De-Esser can be varied from off to full effect, and uses the Frequency, and “Q”
controls to tame harsh sibilance in vocals and instruments with an independent
high-mid limiter. Even when the De-Esser is on, the EQ level may still be used.
The High Frequency shelf has independent engage switch, Classic Peak/
Accelerated Shelf selection, +/- 12dB level adjustment, and selectable turnover
frequencies of 4.7, 6.8, 12, and 25kHz. When two Portico II Channels are used
side by side, the EQ section can also excel at stereo material.

Compressor

A further
array of tools are used to craft dynamic response. The Portico II’s compressor
section is exceptionally flexible. Like the Portico 5043, the compressor a
choice of Forward Feed / Return Feed modes, either providing a transparent
modern response, or a smoother more musical vintage response. Along with FF/FB
modes, there are also 1:1 to 40:1 ratio controls and threshold from -30dBu to
+20dBu, together with Attack from 20 to 75ms (.1 ms in fast mode), Release from
100ms to 2.5s, and Make up gain from 0 to 20dB with a Stereo Link.

The Portico
II compressor however incorporates a number of new ways to tame or enhance
dynamics. HPF to SC inserts the High Pass Filter into the side chain to deal
with intense low frequencies that may skew the response of the VCA with certain
songs and instruments. The “Fast” switch alters the compressor’s attack to
react to transients with a roughly .1ms response time. When “fast” is
disengaged, the compressor responds to the RMS signal in conjunction with the
attack and release settings.

“Blend”
works by creating a parallel mix between the compressed and dry signals. By
mixing the compressed and dry signals, it is possible to increase the volume of
quieter elements in the source material (for instance, delicate snare brushing
on a track with much louder hits), while maintaining a natural dynamic feel for
the louder elements.

To further
control the side chain, there is also an insert “send” and “return” that may be
paired with an external EQ or other filters for additional manipulation. The
“return” may also be used as a “Key” input for ducking one signal under
another. (for instance, a voice-over keying the compressor to duck a background
music track). By connecting the “link” jack on the back of the Portico II to
another Portico II link jack and engaging the Link buttons, the compressor
section may be used for stereo material.